NCCE Rises Alarm Over Rising Child Prostitution in Yilo Krobo

Yilo Krobo's Alarming Rise in Child Prostitution

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Henrietta Glikpo, the Director of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), sounded the alarm over rising child prostitution cases in Somanya and other parts of the municipality. She made this revelation during a one-day sensitization programme on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Somanya, Eastern Region.

Rising Child Prostitution: A Collective Responsibility

Ms. Glikpo pointed out that the growing incidence of gender-based violence has significantly contributed to child neglect, abuse, and other social challenges, including child prostitution. Although she hasn't conducted formal research on gender-based violence, her interactions with community members, identifiable groups, and churches indicate that the situation is alarming. She emphasized that if she had to rate the prevalence of gender-based violence in the municipality, she would place it at about 80 percent.

Child Prostitution: A Vulnerable Population

Glikpo explained that gender-based violence often leaves young girls vulnerable, particularly teenage mothers who are abandoned after becoming pregnant. According to her, when a teenager becomes pregnant, she is often sent to live with the man responsible for the pregnancy with the expectation that he will take care of her. However, when support is not forthcoming from the man or his family, the young mother struggles to cope, and in some cases, the child is neglected or abandoned.

Calls for Collective Action

Ms. Glikpo stressed that addressing child prostitution and gender-based violence requires a collective effort from parents, traditional leaders, religious institutions, schools, security agencies, and the wider community. She urged residents to speak up against all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, emphasizing that every child deserves a safe and supportive environment to thrive.

Context: GBV in Ghana

Gender-based violence is a significant concern in Ghana, with various forms of exploitation affecting many communities. The Ghana Police Service, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Department of Social Welfare, and health professionals have been working to address the issue.

A Brighter Future for Children

Glikpo called on stakeholders to prioritize child protection and work together to ensure that no child is forced into prostitution or deprived of the care, guidance, and opportunities needed for a brighter future.

> "The time has come for parents to take responsibility for

the upbringing of their children," Henrietta Glikpo said.